Wausau Riverwalk 2025 07

During our anniversery vacation we visited Wausau Wisconsin and while we were there we decided to walk the Riverwalk Trail. Unfortunately the Wisconsin River was under a flood watch at the time. So some of the trails were flooded.

Key Features

• Scenic Riverfront Views: The Riverwalk provides picturesque views of the Wisconsin River and the Wausau skyline, especially from its various seating areas.
• Paved Walking and Biking Trails: It boasts well-maintained, paved paths that are perfect for walking, running, and biking, making it accessible for all ages and abilities.
• Riverlife Park: This central destination park is a highlight, offering a range of attractions and activities.
• Interactive Fountain/Splash Pad: A popular feature for kids and families, the interactive fountain provides a fun way to cool off, with arching jets and foaming bubblers.
• Large Playground Equipment: Riverlife Park features a state-of-the-art playground with a skywalk, sky cabins, climbing nets, a 10-foot tube slide, swings, and spinners, designed for a wide age range.
• Outdoor Exercise Stations: For fitness enthusiasts, there are dedicated outdoor exercise stations with cardio and static weight machines.
• Fishing Access/Pier: The Riverwalk includes accessible fishing piers and designated areas for fishing, allowing visitors to enjoy the river’s aquatic life.
• Riverfront Seating and Social Spaces: Ample seating, including Adirondack chairs and benches, is strategically placed along the river, providing comfortable spots to relax and socialize. Some areas also feature gas fireplaces.
• Proximity to Downtown Wausau: The Riverwalk is within walking distance of downtown Wausau, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and the 400 Block, which hosts seasonal events.
• Connection to Other Parks and Trails: The Riverwalk, part of the larger River Edge Parkway, connects to other green spaces like Oak Island Park, Fern Island Park, and Barker-Stewart Island, expanding recreational opportunities.

Review

When I was looking for a place for my wife and I to spend our 20th anniversary I discovered that Wausau had a fairly extensive trail system. Called the Wausau Riverwalk, this space had trails running up and down the Wisconsin River.

I had thought to review each of the islands as separate post. However due to Fern island being half flooded and Baker-Stuart Island being a short hike, I decided to do one review all together.

On that day we drove from our hotel to a parking lot near Fern Island and Oak Park. The Jefferson Hotel in downtown Wausau is fairly close to the trail, however we were not specifically sure were we wanted to start our walk. Because of this we found the Farmers Market of Wausau.

We walked over to the trail deciding to peruse the market after our walk. We started walking down the Riverwalk with the idea of walking around Fern Island but we ran in to a problem. The river was so high below the dam that parts of the River walk trail were flooded.

Navigating around the flooded areas of the river walk trail we found our way to the bridge from Oak Park across to Fern Island. This island is branded as a nature learning area.

What we found was a nice park but half of the trials were currently flooded and mosquitos buzzed around us. We still were able to walk enough of the trails to feel confident to move on in our hike.

Then we stopped at the farmers market. For the most part this was a typical farmers market. Lots of organically grown vegetables but the baked goods seemed to be the draw that day. We however were able to find a stand offering a habanero based hot sauce that tasted great.

After visiting a few of the vendors we moved on to the second half of our hike. As some of the Riverwalk was flooded we decided to drive up river and see if the trial north of the dam was above water.

We parked south of WOW (Wausau On the Water), a family entertainment center on the riverwalk. We started south and could tell there was a difference in the trail. While the trail was flooded below the dam, here the trial was about 6 feet above the river.

We starting walking south along the trial. This area of the trail felt different. Where the trail south of the dam we saw homeless people and flooding. Above the dam there were more hikers and bikers.

Once we reached the railroad bridge converted to a trail bridge to Baker-Stewart Island Park. This park had a quick loop and was covered in mostly native grasses and trees. Here there were more song birds and native flowers.

We walked around the short loop and then crossed an active Rail line. Moving south along the Island we eventually reached the walking bridge from Baker-Stewart Island Park to Big Bull Falls Park.

The previous day my wife and I had been walking through the down down area and I notice an Osprey flying by with a fish in its claws. I was disappointed because I did not have my camera to capture the sight of this beautiful bird.

On this day though I noticed a nest on top of a power poll. I mentioned to my wife that this must be the Osprey’s nest that I had seen the day before. Then while I was taking pictures of a Baltimore Oriel, my wife pointed out that the Osprey was sitting on the nest. I took several pictures and we continued on.

We started crossing on the sidewalks on the bridges back toward downtown. Looking at the Osprey nest, the bird took off and flew over our heads. I was able to get probably one of the best pictures of an Osprey I have gotten yet.

We continued back across the bridge and found our way back to the riverwalk. We intended to walk back to our car content with the pictures that we captured that day.

Then we encountered a cacophony of bird song coming from the brush between the trial and the river. We pause our return hike to find the bird creating the sound. Snapping a few pictures of a bird we later identified as a Catbird.

At last we ended our hike content with our adventures. While there is a much longer hike that we could do here the sun was getting to a point that would eventually give me a sun burn. We decided to return to our hotel to rest and enjoy the rest of our vacation.

Wausau Riverwalk is a great place to hike. Where most people probably visit Wausau to see Rib Mountain there are many other things to do. The downtown area was a great place to visit. Eateries such as Limericks Public House Irish Pub with a great Rubin Sandwich and The Mint diner. Unique shops like Norwegian Wood and Janke Book Store, there are many offerings if you are looking for more that just a hike.

We enjoyed our time in Wausau. Let me know if you have spent some time here in the comments. And once again thank you for giving me your time by reading my posts.